WHEREAS invasive plant species grow rapidly and outcompete native species, threaten public and animal safety, and have a significant environmental and financial impact on communities throughout British Columbia; AND WHEREAS the spread of invasive plant species is the second greatest threat to global biodiversity, after habitat destruction by land clearing: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Province of British Columbia minimize the further introduction and spread of invasive species by: 1. educating the public, government agencies, and other land managers about non-native vegetation and their impacts; 2. dedicating resources to government agencies for control of invasive species; and 3. instituting a grants program to assist local organizations in invasive species control; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Province act as a conduit to information and sources of expertise on invasive species including identification, prevention and control.
Ministry of Natural Resource Operations The Province of BC currently provides support to various initiatives to assess and manage invasive plants on Crown lands, and inside Protected Areas. Ministries work collaboratively with other levels of governments and organizations like the Provincial Invasive Plant Council to deliver invasive plant control programs. This includes the assessment of various types of projects, such as land development, in-stream works and vegetation management proposed by both government agencies and private sector industry. The Province also provides information on the risks, appropriate mitigation and monitoring strategies to project proponents, various practitioners and property owners who are seeking input on various types of activities that are not directly regulated provincially. The assessment and management of invasive plants is also a major consideration of ongoing monitoring and assessment work being conducted by the Province. In a difficult economic climate, limited resources and competing priorities constrain the Provinces ability to directly financially support new initiatives. Improving awareness of what efforts various levels of government, Crown corporations, non-government organizations and industry could contribute in this regard would be beneficial and enhance the overall management of invasive plants in BC.